Jaguars cross-country ready for the North Alabama Showcase

By Chris Rickerson | Sports editor

After a strong performance in their first meet, Augusta University’s men and women’s cross-country teams head to Huntsville, Ala., for the North Alabama Showcase on Friday, Sept. 17. 

Adam Ward, coach of the AU cross-country teams, says he is ready to see what his team can do this upcoming meet against some of the top NCAA Division I schools in the region. 

“Expectations for this meet are to test ourselves against some of the best teams in this region from D1,” said Ward. “Several teams are ranked regionally or nationally in this race. We want to have fun racing some teams that we rarely have an opportunity to face.”

Some of the Division I schools at the men’s and women’s upcoming cross-country meet include Alabama, UT Chattanooga, East Tennessee State, Georgia, Kennesaw State, Lipscomb, Ole Miss and Tennessee. 

“If we place well, it’s nice, but doesn’t impact us much beyond,” said Ward. “We know how good these teams are, but they are D1 and we likely won’t see them again after this. We are just going to test ourselves and see how well we fair.”

Seniors Chandler and Chase Kennedy will return for the Jaguars after not being able to compete in the first meet.

“Having those guys back will be a huge help,” said Ward.  “It’s not a deal breaker for us because of our young depth, but you cannot replace their experience. They have competed on this level for almost 5 years now and both have been to a national championship, which is big once we get into the postseason.”

AU will look to continue rolling as competition begins early Friday morning at 7:30 a.m. 

Contact Christopher Rickerson at crickerson@augusta.edu.

Mackenzie Taylor (R) leads the AU women’s cross-country team into Friday’s North Alabama meet. At the top of the page, the AU men are ranked 12th nationally and look to see how they compare to other top Division II teams and Division I programs. (photos by Bob Stoner, special to the Bell Ringer)